University of Southampton: Exploring the past with the digital twin of RRS Discovery

The Amazing Story of RRS Discovery: A new project led by the University of Southampton has brought the famous Antarctic ship, RRS Discovery, back to life in a whole new way! Using the latest technology, scientists have created a "digital twin" of the ship, a super-detailed 3D model that shows every nook and cranny of the vessel.

What is the RRS Discovery?

RRS Discovery is a special ship built over 100 years ago. It was the first ship designed specifically for exploring the icy waters of Antarctica. Famous explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton used it to travel and conduct important scientific research.

How did they make the digital twin?

To create this digital twin, the team used drones and laser scanners to capture every detail of the ship, both inside and out. They used a technology called LiDAR, which shoots out laser pulses and measures how long they take to bounce back, creating precise 3D maps. They also used photogrammetry, which involves taking lots of photos from different angles to create a detailed model.

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Why is this important?

The digital twin allows people to explore parts of the ship that are normally off-limits. It gives historians and scientists new insights into how the ship was built and used, and it helps with the restoration work to keep the ship in good condition.

Bringing History to Life

This project is part of a bigger effort to digitize objects related to RRS Discovery’s Antarctic expeditions. It brings together items from various museums, creating a rich digital collection that tells the story of the ship and its brave crew.

Saving the Ship

RRS Discovery needs a lot of care to stay in good shape. The digital model is a huge help to the team at Dundee Heritage Trust, which is working on the ship's restoration. They received a grant to help with this important work, ensuring that RRS Discovery remains a symbol of exploration and scientific discovery.

Celebrating 100 Years of Discoveries

Next year marks 100 years since the RRS Discovery’s first major oceanographic expedition. The new digital twin will be a star attraction at these celebrations, allowing more people to learn about the ship’s amazing history and its contributions to science.

Dr. Tammy Horton, a senior research scientist, said, “This digital model helps us bring together all the stories and discoveries made by the RRS Discovery. It’s a fantastic resource for everyone interested in the ship’s history and its ongoing scientific legacy.”

This project is a collaboration between the University of Southampton, Dundee Heritage Trust, the National Oceanography Centre, and the Scott Polar Research Institute. Together, they are keeping the spirit of RRS Discovery alive for future generations to explore and enjoy. Keep reading at Education Post News for more updates.